DAILY EMERGENCY COVID-19 NEWS
... Important Daily Notices ...

AS This page is to place quick update important notices that are being sent to us from Government and other organisations over the Coronavirus Emergency affecting our country (UK)...   Please remember that the information changes quickly, so always check to see what time and when the last post was made.  We will update as and when we can....  Users of our Formby Reporter's Free Email Service will get most updates 1st and then they will be added on here as soon as we can...  If you have any updates to send in or any views on the posts on here, please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

This page is updated on 24 March 2020

Sefton Area - Support during COVID-19

IF you need help for you or your household, we recommend that you call Sefton Council on:- 0345 140 0845 or fill in Sefton Council's online form to ask for the support you need and to get advice on where else you may be able to access information and help.  The Council will assess your needs and pass your information to Sefton Council for Voluntary Services (Sefton CVS) The Sefton COVID-19 Response Programme is a borough wide volunteer programme operating across Sefton, to ensure systems are in place to care for people and communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. The programme is coordinated by Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) a registered charity, working all year round to support a thriving voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in Sefton, in partnership with Sefton Council.

To become Sefton COVID-19 Response Volunteer please follow this link:- VolunteeringSefton.Org.UK.

Important Information:-

► Seek help from people you know; eg:- family, trusted neighbours and friends, or reputable charities, local advice agencies and established faith organisations

► Only give cash to someone you know and trust and for a specific purpose which you have agreed with them

► Do not give your bank card and PIN number to anybody

► Do not give personal health or care details to anyone unless they are from the NHS or the Council and have a need to know

Useful Phone Numbers:-

► Police Non-Emergency:- 101.

► NHS Non-Emergency:– 111.

► Sefton Council Main Number - Switchboard:– 03451400845.

► Children's Social Care:– 01519343114.

► Adult Social Care:– 01704704389 (North)

► Adult Social Care:– 01515293761 (South)

► Sefton Security:– 01519344746.

► NHS South Sefton CCG:- 01513178456.

► NHS Southport and Formby CCG:- 01704395785

► Sefton Carers Centre Helpline:– 01512886060..

Local Pharmacist pleads with public to avoid chemists and instead get prescriptions online amid COVID-19 lockdown

ON Monday, 23 March 2020, the UK Government advised the British public to stay at home wherever possible, only permitting people to leave their homes to for basic necessities, such as medication. But Shamir Patel, founder and Pharmacist, at Skelmersdale based Pharmacy, Chemist 4 U, is urging people to stay at home and order prescriptions; both new and repeat; online, wherever possible.

Speaking about his appeal, Shamir told Southport Reporter:- "In theory, the advice is that if you're well enough to do so, and you're showing no Coronavirus symptoms, you can collect medication from your local Pharmacy. Most Pharmacies should have a 2 person in / 2 person out policy, but in practice, local Pharmacies are under huge pressure. We are being overrun with requests for medication; in 1 day alone, we dispensed 2,000 prescriptions; an unprecedented level. We answered over 400 calls, 600 messages and 50 'Ask the Pharmacist' questions. We are simply being inundated, we have long queues and people are putting themselves at unnecessary risk. It needs to stop; we understand that people are worried about the availability of their medication, but it would massively ease the pressure on community Pharmacies if people simply signed up with an online Pharmacy. Our online arm of Chemist 4 U is infinitely more capable of dealing with a sustained level of high demand. It's a very simple process to register online, it takes just two minutes. Then when you need medication, you request it as normal from your GP. Once your GP signs it off, the Pharmacy will deal directly with them to get everything in place and send it to your door. This eases pressure and ensures patients' safety, as they can do all of this from the comfort of their home. In cases where people can't phone up their surgery or where their surgery doesn't allow the Pharmacy to request on behalf of the patient, they will need to use the NHS app to request their prescription."

Speaking on the subject of stockpiling, Shamir continued:- "Pharmacies and suppliers have enough provisions to last for months, so there's no need to panic, it's currently a calm situation. But with that being said, it is a good idea for people, especially elderly or those at higher risk; to ensure that they have enough medication in case they need to stay at home for prolonged periods of time. For those who don't have access to the internet, they should ask friends or family to help them sign up online."

NSPCC says:- "The lockdown could impact on child protection!"

NSPCC has commented on how the closure of Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown could impact on child protection. Anna Edmundson, NSPCC Head of Policy, said:- "The entire way we think about child protection has changed in a matter of days and it is encouraging how the Government has recognised the effects this crisis could have on children at risk of abuse and neglect. It's now important Schools have the guidance they need to safely look after children at this difficult time, including on how social distancing is implemented. To also ensure all children at home are safe, Government must support Local Authorities, NHS and the Police to work with Schools and Teachers in new ways to ensure no child falls through the gaps. We can all play our part in this as well by checking in with families however we can and reaching out for support and advice if we have any concerns for a child's wellbeing."

24/03/2020 12:32

FSB launches #ThinkSelfEmployed campaign as Government falls short on Coronavirus support for self employed!

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a campaign calling on the Government to provide the support self employed people need to get through the Coronavirus crisis. Despite a raft of measures to aid small businesses and their employees there has been very little support provided for the 4.9 million self employed, which contribute over ₤275 billion to the economy. "We cannot afford to let them down as they face this unprecedented national emergency" says the FSB. FSB has been instrumental in pushing the Government for greater support for this growing number of workers, involved in high level discussions in Westminster and, now, launching #ThinkSelfEmployed to fight for a better deal.


Michael Sandys, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire's Area Leader for Liverpool City Region, said:- "FSB is urging its members, FSB staff, family members and everyone else to post a video or an image from home with a message telling the Government that they need to #ThinkSelfEmployed and provide greater support to help the self employed get through this Coronavirus crisis. On Sunday the Prime Minister said the Government will be standing behind the UK's army of self employed, but they have been excluded from the commitment to pay 80% of earnings. Right now they just feel they have been left behind. Time is running out to get this practical and easily accessible support up and running."

How to support:- #ThinkSelfEmployed

Here are some example tweets:-

"The Government has brought in measures to protect small businesses and their employees. They now need to #ThinkSelfEmployed and announce a package of support for these 4.9 million self employed strivers!"

"The UK's 4.9 million self employed contribute more than ₤275bn to the economy and they support now more than ever. I am calling on the Government to #ThinkSelfEmployed and announce a package of measures that back these workers."

"I am 1 of the UK's army of self employed. I need the Government to #ThinkSelfEmployed and support me and all of the other 4.9 million self employed!"

If you want to post a selfie video, here are some tips:-

1. Film in a quiet / soundproof room so the audio is of good quality with little background noise.

2. Place or balance your phone on a table/use a tripod so the video isn't shaky.

3. Avoid back lighting, have the light source to the side of you or behind you.

23/03/2020; 13.55

Liverpool's City Libraries Close

LIVERPOOL City Council closed all of the City's Libraries on Monday, 23 March 2020, with immediate effect. The decision has been taken to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the public and members of staff. The book loan period has been indefinitely extended so that people who currently have books on loan will not accrue fines. Library users are encouraged to make the most of the free eReading service which allows people to download books, audiobooks, magazines and comics to phones, tablets or e-readers. These can be accessed by downloading a free app.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for Libraries, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "This isn't a decision we have taken lightly as we know that our libraries and archives provide a cherished service for many of our residents both young and old. However, we need to do everything we can to protect both citizens and staff. These are unprecedented times and we ask for understanding around the difficult decisions that the City Council, and organisations and businesses across the City are having to make."

To find out more about eReading; visit:- Liverpool.Gov.UK/Libraries.

All 19 libraries will be closed. These are:-

► Allerton Library.
► Breck Road Community Library.
► Central Library.
► Childwall Library.
► Croxteth Library.
► Dovecot Community Library.
► Fazakerley Community Library.
► Garston Library.
► Kensington Library.
► Lee Valley Library.
► Norris Green Library.
► Old Swan Library.
► Parklands Library.
► Sefton Park Library.
► Spellow Library.
► Toxteth Library.
► Walton Library.
► Wavertree Library.
► West Derby Library.

If there are any queries about the closures, or the eReading, members of the public can call:- 01512333069. The home delivery service to the over 70's will continue. Requests to register for this can be made by ringing:- 01512332796. Last week, all Schools in the City shut and the decision was made to close:- Lifestyles Centre, Walton Soccer Centre, Wavertree, Speke and Kirkdale One Stop Shops and  Civic Buildings including:- St George's Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, Croxteth Hall.

RSPCA provides emergency service during Coronavirus lockdown

CHARITY still providing help to thousands of animals across England and Wales. The RSPCA is providing an emergency only service to animals through the Coronavirus crisis in the wake of Government advice. The animal charity which has a team of frontline Officers, 17 animals centres, 4 wildlife centres, including:- Stapeley Grange, in Cheshire, and 4 animal Hospitals across England and Wales, has reassured animal lovers they will still be dealing with emergency cases.

Chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said:- "Despite most of the country staying at home there are still animals which need our help and I'm so incredibly thankful for frontline Officers helping animals in emergency situations, our Hospital workers for providing emergency treatment and our centre staff and volunteers who are giving love and affection to the hundreds of animals in our care. We've taken steps to make sure that we are dealing with emergency cases only so we can play our part in stopping the spread of this virus and safeguard our staff and volunteers. We rely on the public's help and we would ask them to only call our helpline in an emergency and visit our website for all other enquiries."

The RSPCA has a team of frontline Officers working around the clock across England and Wales to deal with emergency only cases. Our Officers are wearing protective clothing, regularly handwashing before and after handling animals, avoiding entering premises and asking people to bring animals to the door where appropriate and keeping their vans clean. They are sanitising their hands whenever they leave their vehicles.

►  24 hour rescue line... Each year the RSPCA answers more than a million calls from the public concerned about animals. Please only call in the event of an emergency. For everything else please look on our website as there is lots of information on there. Those calling with emergencies please be patient, as despite contingency planning, we have fewer people available to answer calls.

►  Animals centres... The RSPCA has 17 nationally run animal centres. These are now closed to the public and we have paused rehoming and fostering and will resume as soon as it is safe. Staff and volunteers will be focusing on giving love and attention to the hundreds of animals in our care.

► Animal Hospitals... Our 4 Animal Hospital teams in:- London, Birmingham and Manchester are still working to help emergency cases of sick and injured animals, prioritising our animals rescued by frontline staff, but also providing services to our clients on an appointment only basis.

►  Wildlife Centres... Our four wildlife centre teams are still working around the clock to help rehabilitate and release sick and injured wild animals. Our centres are not open to the public. If you find a sick or injured wild animal please contact our emergency line:- 0300 1234 999. If you've found a baby animal which appears to be orphaned there's also advice on our website.

►  Branches... There are over 150 RSPCA branches, registered charities in their own right, which are part of the RSPCA family running vital clinics, re-homing centres and charity shops.

Centres and shops have closed to the public. Please check their websites, social media channels for details of any emergency services they may be operating. Chris added:- "We know these are really worrying times for everyone and I hope hearing that we are still helping animals is a little piece of good news. We know many people will be financially worse off as a result of this crisis but if anyone is in a position to make a donation to help our services continue we would really appreciate it."

To help the RSPCA continue helping animals in emergency need of care please donate on our website, by mobile, or call our donation line on:- 0300 123 8181.

Sore support needed for the self employed

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson called on the Government to provide extra support for the self employed through the Coronavirus crisis. The MP said if the Government wanted people to stay at home through the pandemic in order to slow the spread of the virus, they would have to provide more income security. As pubs, clubs and Schools were forced to close and people were urged to stay 2 metres apart, Mr Esterson said the package of measures announced to support workers; which included paying 80% of the wages of workers who would otherwise be laid off; needs to apply to self employed workers as well as employees. He said:- "In Norway the self employed will receive 80% of their average pay from the last 3 years. The Government here must do something similar."

While Mr Esterson welcomed the Chancellor Rishi Sunak's promise of cash grants for businesses, support for payroll costs, and mortgage and loans holidays for borrowers, he said workers and businesses needed to know how they would get hold of the cash as soon as possible, so they were financially secure.

In Parliament last week, the MP and Shadow Business Minister told the Commons:- "Letting many people get into rent or mortgage arrears or asking businesses to take on debt are not the answers. They are just going to make the crisis worse; and longer. Every business, every employee, every self employed person and everybody in the third sector needs to know that their living costs will be covered."

The previous day, the MP told the Commons:- "The Minister will know that many people are really worried about the financial impact of self-isolation, whether they are sick or not. He has mentioned sick pay a few times and the alternatives of Universal Credit and ESA, but those sums simply will not pay the rent or the bills, or put food on the table. The Minister also mentioned the speed at which action is needed and how much faster his Department is having to react then normal. If it takes till next week to put in place legislation, many more people will have not taken action to protect themselves and everybody else. Action is needed now and people need the money now."

Mr Esterson said if incomes were not guaranteed, it would be difficult for some workers to follow the Government's advice to self-isolate. He said:- "If we are to reassure people across the country to take the actions recommended by the Government, and rightly spelled out by the Minister, we must also give them the financial assurance that they can do so. I will give some case studies. The bus driver in London who believes that he has Coronavirus symptoms is still going to work, because sick pay would not be enough money to put food on the table, let alone cover the ₤1,200 in rent that he pays every month. He cannot afford not to work. The reflexologist who works in a care home now cannot go to work because she is a visitor. The dog kennel owner is not going to get any dogs to look after. Their income is gone. The tutor has lost all of her income."

He added later in the debate:- "1 of my constituents made the point that he is staying at home, observing advice from Government but not able to earn his weekly wage.  Another of my constituents, a nurse, asked me to raise the situation of principal carers who live with somebody in a vulnerable group. What is the advice for her? The example she gives is her son, who cares for his wife, who has a chronic respiratory disease. She is 26, but with that disease she is clearly in one of the highest risk groups. She cannot work and does not leave the house, but what is he supposed to do? He is still going to work, but with great anxiety, because he might catch the disease and pass it on to her. They have a mortgage and they need his income. Those are real world examples. We have all heard them from our constituents and from others around the country, and they show why action has to be immediate. I have mentioned the self employed and freelancers, small firms and people on zero hours contracts. The support just is not there. If someone is employed and they qualify, the ₤94.25 a week they get is not enough. Universal Credit is not enough. Are the Government looking at what the TUC has said about a real living wage and what Members have said about a universal basic income for a limited period? We need to redefine what we mean by sick pay. It is not just whether someone is sick; it is whether they are in danger of becoming sick and infecting other people. It is about giving financial reassurance and making up for the lost jobs, the livelihoods that are at risk and the contracts that have gone in whatever sector of the economy, for as long as it takes. Only the Government can intervene, and if we do not get this right, it will be so much worse for the health of us all and for the economy. The Government say that they will do whatever it takes that is the 3 word slogan of the moment. "Whatever it takes" means giving every single person in this country the financial security they need right now to ensure that they can protect themselves, their families and the rest of us."

Important message for Partner Employers from Runshaw College

"WE recognise that the recent announcements made by the Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to very challenging times for employers and apprentices. On 23 March 2020, the UK Government published The Apprenticeship Programme response to COVID-19 which provides information and specific support for employers, training providers and apprentices. The Frequently Asked Questions section covers a wide range of possible scenarios which you may find helpful. During the weeks and months ahead, Runshaw College will continue to make regular contact with our apprentices and their employers to ensure that, wherever possible, learning is able to continue throughout this highly unusual period. If any of your current apprentices are being trained by Runshaw staff and you would like to discuss the potentially changing circumstances of any/all of your apprentices with us, please contact the Assistant Principal Martin Rigby. For queries not covered by the Government guidance, you can contact the Apprenticeship Helpline by telephone:- 0800150600 or by email. With very best wishes to you all during this extremely challenging and unsettling period." Simon Partington, Principal, Runshaw College.

Statement from England Golf:- "Clubs, courses and facilities must close"

"FOLLOWING on from the Prime Minister's statement of 23 March 2020, golf clubs, courses and facilities in England must now close. It is England Golf's position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible course of action must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice. The Government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors. This has been done to limit the spread of the Coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service. Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of Government which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency. The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history. These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life. We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life. We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest Government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by Coronavirus." England Golf.

24/03/2020 08:20

Coronavirus - Car MOTs as 'essential service' during lockdown to be reviewed

MOT testing for lorries, buses and trailers has been suspended, whilst testing for cars is under review by the Government. Car insurance expert at Confused.com Alex Kindred says:- "Some people are still relying on their car to carry out essential work or pick up essential items. But what happens if our MOT has run out and the garage is closed? Until we receive official guidance from the Government, we're in a confusing predicament where we don't know what is allowed or not. If your MOT has expired, then it's illegal to drive, unless we're told otherwise. If MOTs are allowed to continue then it's likely they will be in high demand, with some garages across the country closing down temporarily. To avoid leaving it to late, we have an MOT checker to find out when it runs out, and book it in in plenty of time. In the meantime, there are some simple checks you can do whilst you're at home to increase your chances of passing 1st time."

Covid-19 lockdown - Charity issues essential advice for pet owners

WITH lockdown now in place pet owners across the UK are either social distancing or self isolating and will be spending at least the next 3 weeks inside their homes. Blue Cross is looking at the impact this will have on the nation's pets and their owners during this unsettling time and is offering essential advice and answering the many questions on pet owners minds.

Those social distancing can still take their dog for a walk and exercise once a day but they MUST keep their distance from other people by at least 2 metres. However, if self isolating because they, or a member of their household, has had signs of the disease they should not go out at all. Someone from outside of the household may have to take their dog out for them. Owners can ask friends, neighbours or family members if they can help and there are also increasingly numbers of community groups offering to walk dogs and pick up essential pet supplies. Affected owners can check local media and social media to find someone in their area. Volunteer dog walkers should use their own dog lead or disinfect the owner's lead.

It is important pet owners wash their hands after handling their pets, and if unwell and self isolating it is also a good idea to avoid other people stroking and handling their pets.

If pets aren't getting their usual amount of exercise it is important owners make up for this to keep pets healthy and mentally stimulated. The charity has some tips for pet owners while they are spending more time at home:-

► Encourage pets to play with toys and treats by hiding them around the home or playing fetch (make sure toys are soft to avoid damaging any household items) and even play hide and seek with pets and other family members; especially fun for children at home while Schools are closed too. Don't forget if playing with pets using extra treats you may need to reduce the amount they have for their daily meal.

► Your dog might also enjoy a game of tug with a favourite toy, make sure these are controlled games and your pet understands that when you put their tuggy toy down it is time to stop. Pets can also be kept busy by having their food via a kong or activity toy. 

► Cats will benefit from having scratch posts, climbing apparatus and chase toys and many also enjoy playing with toys such as feather wands and balls. While at home, all the family can take some time out to have a few minutes of regular playtime with their cat – fun for both cats and their owners.

► Hide biscuits or food parcels in a cardboard box filled with shredded paper or a cleaned out yoghurt drink pot for pets to bat about to release the food.

► Being at home could also be a time to continue pet training; even cats can be trained using a clicker device where they understand a reward is coming for an act they are doing when asked by their owner.

► If pets are becoming a distraction while trying to work from home and to avoid them becoming too clingy (potentially leading to dogs suffering from separation anxiety when their owners go back to work) it is a good idea to pop them in another room to rest for periods during the day. Owners may also benefit from putting pets in another room if using Skype or phone meetings to avoid pets being a distraction.

► Cats who usually spend the day outdoors exploring may prefer to stay in with their owners instead. Owners can encourage their cat to go outside by going into the garden themselves and let them follow and see if they will jump onto fences or into trees to keep them active.

Pet owners regularly using hand sanitizer should remember that many cleaning products are toxic to pets and it is best to avoid stroking and handling your pets straight after using sanitizers. When cleaning, remember that pets should be kept away from areas being disinfected until completely dry and prevent pets going near cleaning buckets and cleaning products. Cats in particular will lick their paws and fur almost immediately if they feel unclean and such products can potentially burn their mouth, tongue or throat.

Find out the situation with your vet practice and where emergency treatment is being offered. Some vet practices are offering routine and non-urgent consultations remotely and any medication needed prescriptions via email to order online.

Blue Cross is offering free Coronavirus update emails for latest news and tips about keeping pets healthy and mentally stimulated with easy to make games and play ideas during the Covid-19 outbreak. Visit:- BlueCross.Org.UK to find out more and sign up.

UK is on Lockdown.  Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Coronavirus

AS of today, funeral services at the City's 3 public crematoria (Springwood, Anfield and Myrtle) will only be able to accommodate a maximum of ten people at the ceremony.

The City Council's Register Office will continue to honour religious observances for funerals.

The Register Office has also ceased conducting weddings and civil ceremonies until further notice to comply with restrictions announced by the Prime Minister, last night.

Couples who need to cancel or rearrange the date of their ceremony should do so online or via email them with their names, date and place of the ceremony and contact telephone number.

General enquiries should be sent to:- Registrar@Liverpool.Gov.UK with name, telephone number and and email address.

Liverpool City Council has introduced a wide range measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, closing all leisure centres, one stop shops, libraries and casual markets and is urging people to use council services by going online or by calling:- 0151 233 3001.

The council is also coordinating 50 School hubs across the City to support people identified as key workers, so that their children can continue to go to School.

Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson, has today welcomed the response for his call to create a community army of volunteers to help the most vulnerable during the crisis. A volunteer hotline was created last Thursday and more than 2,000 people have now registered to help with tasks ranging from delivering medicines to helping at the City's Foodbanks.

Joe Anderson said:- "1 of the unfortunate and sad outcomes of the Coronavirus pandemic is that the Government's new stay at home guidelines mean we have to change how we do funerals and weddings. The issue of numbers of people allowed to attend funerals has required a lot of thought because we all appreciate how emotionally sensitive these occasions are. Given the size of our crematoriums it was felt that 10 people would be manageable under the social distancing guidelines and allow families to identify the most immediate relatives or closest friends of the deceased. In terms of weddings and civil ceremonies it's clear a lot of couples have taken the matter into their own hands already with many postponing them to the autumn. However, for any planned that were over the next 3 weeks will need to be rescheduled. Our staff at the Register Office are brilliant and I know they will support couples as best they can to navigate this unfortunate situation for them. We know the Coronavirus is going to challenge us all, as families, individuals and organisations. The City Council is trying its upmost to ensure some kind of normality can continue and judging by how people in this City are already responding be it at our School hubs, foodbanks and new volunteer programme I've every confidence in our collective ability to pull through."

People can call the volunteer hotline on:- 0151 233 3068 or can sign up online via Liverpool City Council's website.

For the latest information and advice, Liverpool City Council has also set up an online portal - Liverpool.Gov.UK/Coronavirus and dedicated social media feeds at:- Facebook.com/CovidLiverpool and Twitter.com/CovidLiverpool.

Ofcom - Coronavirus

"THIS is an unprecedented time for our country, and keeping communications going across the UK has never been more important. Over the next few months Ofcom's sectors will play a vital role in supporting families, businesses and individuals as we all adapt the way we live, work and communicate in the wake of the Coronavirus.

Over the past few weeks the industries we regulate have been coming together to support the British public and the economy, and to keep the nation connected. Telecoms providers are working to ensure resilience across landline, broadband and mobile services as the demands on networks increase, as well as prioritising access to safety of life communications systems. Some telecoms providers have also taken specific steps to support their customers, such as providing unlimited calls or increased data allowances. Broadcasters have been adapting their schedules to maintain high quality content to entertain and inform the public, and to ensure accurate and high quality news. Postal providers are working hard to ensure continued delivery, particular to vulnerable customers.

Ofcom welcomes these efforts. With our colleagues in Government we have been supporting them actively and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. We also recognise that they take place against a backdrop of significant operational and financial challenges for our industries, as a result of the Coronavirus.

Many people employed in our sectors have been designated as key workers; including:- telecoms engineers, broadcasters and journalists, and postal workers. We extend our thanks and support to them as they work to keep the nation's communications going.

Keeping vital networks resilient

As a large proportion of the population works from home and Schools have closed, industry has been working closely with us and Government to ensure that the networks remain resilient and continue to operate effectively.

Telecoms providers are working together to monitor traffic on their networks and are keeping us informed of the measures they are taking to manage congestion effectively. We welcome the measures taken by content providers and streaming services to adapt their services where possible, so that loads on networks are spread across the day and peaks in traffic are reduced. We will continue to work closely with the Government and industry to help support network resilience in the coming weeks.

The reliability of:- 999 and 111 calls is a critical priority. Under Ofcom's existing rules, phone companies must ensure that emergency calls can be connected at all times, even in challenging circumstances. We are in contact with those responsible for connecting:- 999 and 111 calls and have received detailed assurances on the capacity and resilience of both services.

Our approach to regulation through this period...

The priority for our sectors through the coming months is to maintain support for consumers and businesses. We recognise that our planned work programme will need to be adapted and rescheduled so that our stakeholders can focus their time and effort on business critical matters. We are also ready to adapt our regulatory approach during this period.

Ofcom consulted on our proposed Plan of Work for 2020/21 in January. We will publish a revised version at the end of April that takes account of the Coronavirus crisis and provide a revised timetable for our work. However, we can confirm in advance that:-

► With immediate effect, we are suspending all existing consultation deadlines and information requests and putting on hold new consultations, decisions and information requests.

► Ofcom understand that the implementation of new obligations may need to be delayed. Specifically, we are discussing with Government the implementation deadlines of the European Electronic Communications Code.

► At the same time, Ofcom needed to ensure markets operate with integrity, and measures to ensure fairness for customers remain important. Accuracy in broadcasting is essential, and we will expedite any standards enforcement cases involving potentially harmful broadcast content relating to the Coronavirus.

► Ofcom will take a pragmatic approach to enforcement during this time. Compliance with regulatory obligations continues to be important. However, we recognise that the impact of the Coronavirus means that it will not always be possible to meet these obligations. In such circumstances, industry should take decisions that support critical services, vulnerable people and those who are relying on communications services. We will support those decisions where they are in the interests of consumers and businesses.

Looking forward...

The current situation has confirmed the vital role of our industries, and we are conscious that we need to be ready to support our sectors in being ready for the future as the country comes out of the crisis. Investment in fibre and 5G connections will remain of critical importance. Our review on promoting investment and competition in fibre networks and the 5G auction are important building blocks for this.

Ofcom's planned contribution on the future of public service broadcasting also remains a priority for us, as does the regulation of video sharing platforms which we will begin from Summer 2021. We will continue to support the Government as it develops an approach to the regulation of online harms.

Over the coming weeks we will continue to engage with our stakeholders, and with Government, so that we can understand the best way to take these areas of work forward, and to ensure that we remain abreast of any new issues.
Next steps

Ofcom will remain in close contact with our sectors over the coming weeks, so that we can respond quickly to any new developments. For example, we have already written to all broadcasting licensees directly with more detailed advice, and we are working with industry and the Government to make sure telecoms customers stay connected, are supported if they are struggling financially and are protected from unexpectedly high bills.

Apart from our dedicated teams of engineers and technicians who play a vital role in keeping the airwaves safe and functioning, everyone at Ofcom is now working from home in line with Government advice. However, we remain open for business in the usual way. Please contact us by email, or get in touch with specific contacts by phone as appropriate."

MP Bill Esterson has urged people to stay 2 metres apart to stop the spread of Coronavirus

AS visitors flocked to the Sefton coast over the weekend, the Sefton Central MP spoke out and asked people to:- "stay at home."

In a video message, the MP said:- "Friends of mine have family in Northern Italy. They describe the desperate situation in the health service there. That people can only go to the supermarket every 10 days and when they do its only 4 people in the shop at any one time and everybody else has to stand 2m apart in the queue outside. We're going to see these situations here very soon. That's why it's essential we take measures now, wash our hands, keep 2 metres apart. When we bump into somebody we stay 2 metres apart, if we stop for a chat, and we don't go into the shop if we're sick; we get someone else to go for us. Staying off public transport matters too, for public sector workers who need to go to work."

The MP later tweeted a video of an Italian Mayor walking the streets of his Town urging people to go home. "I am tempted to copy this and stand in the Town Centres, in Formby, Crosby and Maghull and do this. Go home and stay there unless you have to be out. Stay safe!!!"